Driving: Turning and the Center-Lane.?

Question

Do you have to use the center lane to make a left turn? If you are in the outer lane, and there are no cars in the center lane, can you just make you left turn in the outer lane? Is it illegal to do so, or just not recommended? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

The center lane is provided for the purpose of staging your turn, so use it.

As to the legality, you'd have to check your local laws.

Answer 2

Technically, if a turn lane is provided and you don't use it, I believe that would be an illegal lane change.